Just a Nice Sunday Ride to The Airport Diner

On Sunday, I rode to the Airport Diner in Fredericksburg, Texas with a few Gruene HOG chapter members. We didn’t start out thinking we’d be going to the Diner but it’s where we ended up. Our original destination was the Alamo Springs Café for what is claimed to be one of the best burgers in Texas.  I say claimed because when we got there it was closed.  Apparently, the owners were leaving for vacation on Monday and had been trying to conserve meat…they ran out on Saturday.  This was my second foiled attempt to try their burgers.  On my first visit, they were closed because of a blown transformer and no electricity.

Spotwalla Tracking Map

The great thing about riding is many times the destination is secondary to the ride itself.  It took about an hour and a half to ride the 70 miles from Gruene Harley-Davidson to the Alamo Springs Café.  Clear skies and cooler temperatures (mid-80s) made for a great Fall ride in the Texas Hill Country.  FM473 and Old #9 Highway Road were particularly fun with some nice curves and beautiful views. 

There were a lot of motorcyclists out taking advantage of the weather.  I saw an equal number of sport bikes and cruisers sharing the road.  Some shared better than others.  Sadly, stereotypes were likely reinforced based on our encounter with a couple riding sport bikes.  While cruising along on Old #9 Highway at or slightly above the posted speed limit, two sport bikes blew past our Sweep and cut into our formation right behind our Lead, then laid back on the throttle and blew past him on a tight curve. 

Not more than three minutes later we pulled into the parking lot at the Alamo Café.  Guess  who was there? The sport bike riders that had just past us.  Our Sweep wasted no time telling them what he thought about their riding and called them a few choice names.  I’m sure they walked away thinking Harley riders are assholes…while several in our group walked away thinking sport bike riders are reckless speed freaks.  Talk about awkward.

After everyone regained their composure, we decided to try the Airport Diner and off we rode.  Old #9 Highway was closed a mile or so north of the Alamo Café but the detour was clearly marked so we had no

The Airport Diner...Friendly Staff, Great Food

trouble making our way to US 290 and into Fredericksburg.  We cut across Friendship Lane to SH16 and rode southwest for a half-mile before turning towards the Gillespie County Airport.   As we pulled into the parking lot, I was impressed.  On the right was the Hanger Hotel and on the left another hanger that housed the Conference Center and Diner.  It was like walking back in time.  The Hanger Hotel resembled an old World War II hanger complete with large billboard graced by pretty pin-up girl worthy of being nose art on any WWII bomber.  The inside of the Diner was just as period authentic as the hotel with airplane art adorning the walls and models of WWII fighter aircraft hanging from the ceiling.

We sat down and were quickly waited on.  The menu was chock full of items with names like Bomber Burger, P-40 Warhawk,  Officer’s Club, and Flying Tiger.  I ordered the Officer’s  Club and boy was it tasty.  Everyone in our group was happy with their food, except one…and he ordered the Huevos Rancheros.  It doesn’t get much better than a great ride followed by great food.  I’ll definitely go back again.

Just Outside the Hanger Hotel

After a leisurely lunch punctuated by great food and service, I split from the group to head home by the most expeditious route available.  I picked-up US 87 and made a beeline for the super slab.  It’s amazing how fast you can get somewhere when you’re going 80 miles an hour.  I made it home in just over an hour and a half and that included a gas stop and a stop at Wal-Mart to pick-up some medicine for my granddaughter.  I may be strange, but I enjoy riding the Interstate almost as much as I like riding the back roads.  What a great day!

Where did you ride last weekend?  Wherever it was I hope you remembered to:  Live Free. Ride Hard. Be Happy.

I'll Always Be Able to Ride, Right?

Recently friend and fellow moto-blogger Tina Walker asked herself the the question, “What if I couldn’t ride a motorcycle anymore?”  I asked myself that question  and then quickly dismissed it thinking, “I’ll always be able to ride.”   That thought may have been a little short sighted on my part because I found out earlier this week that I have moderate carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.

 

You Can't Ride Without Them!

I’ve known for a long time that something wasn’t quite right because my fingers would routinely go numb and my hands would ache. Over the past few months, the numbness and pain have become more frequent and intense.  So much so, that I sometimes wake-up in the middle of the night feeling like my hands and forearms are on fire.  After more than a few restless nights, I decided it was time to see a doctor.   After listening to my “symptoms” and performing a quick exam, the doc said I most likely had carpal tunnel syndrome and then referred me to a neurologist for a nerve conduction study.

If you enjoyed putting a fully charged 9-volt battery on your tongue as a kid, you’d love a nerve conduction study.  I lay on the exam table for an hour as the neurologist placed sensors on both hands and forearms and used what looked like a mini stun gun to “stimulate” my nerves and muscles. It was a shocking experience, literally. It didn’t really hurt, but it was uncomfortable.  When the neurologist was finished, he told me my median nerve was damaged and that I would likely need carpal tunnel release surgery on both hands.  He referred me to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options.

I have an ortho appointment in two-weeks and to say the least I’m nervous about it.  It’s a little ironic given my last post was titled “Don’t Let Fear be a Factor forYou.”  At this point, my biggest fear is how surgery will affect my ability to ride.  I don’t know what the ortho folks will say but after doing a little research, I’ve learned it can take three months or longer to return to your normal activities after surgery.  Anything that requires heavy use of the hands is off-limits.  I think riding a motorcycle falls squarely in this category.

   

Being unable to ride for three months or more is a scary thought because it’s become such an important part of my life over the past few years.  I cannot adequately describe the sense of peace and freedom I feel when I’m on my bike.  It is truly indescribable. When I’m not riding, I’m obsessed with planning my next ride. Strangely enough, the prospect of not being able to ride makes me think of it even more.

I wish I had given Tina’s question more thought at the time, but even now, I don’t have an answer. The thought of not being able to ride makes me sad.  Over the next few months, I may have to face the realityof not being able to ride.  When and if that time comes, I’ll deal with it the best I can knowing it should only be temporary.  I hope my love of riding will serve as a motivator to get me back in the saddle as quickly as possible.

If you’ve dealt with carpal tunnel or had carpal tunnel release surgery, I’d really be interested in hearing about your experiences…good and bad.  You can leave a comment or send me an e-mail.  Your perspective is appreciated. Thanks! 

Don't Let Fear Be A Factor For You

http://54ka.deviantart.com/art/Fear-8094691

“Fear (noun) - a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.” ¹

Watching my granddaughters play in the pool recently, made me think about fear and how it affects us.  My oldest granddaughter, Addison, will play all day on a shallow tanning shelf but ask her to get in the deeper water, even while wearing a life jacket, and she freaks out.  She’ll eventually get in but only after a lot of coaxing and even then, she wants someone to hold her the entire time.  On the other hand, my youngest granddaughter, Mia, will jump right in.  Mia is content to splash around on her own while wearing a life jacket.  Both girls enjoy the water but have vastly different comfort levels.

I think for many, riding a motorcycle is similar to my granddaughters’ experience in the pool.  Some jump right on and ride like a bat out of hell while others are so timid their motorcycles become glorified garage queens.  While fear can help keep us safe and out of trouble, if not checked, it can become debilitating.  Fear can keep us from trying new things and enjoying life to its fullest.  Fear is the antithesis of adventure.  How many times in your life has it played a part in the decisions you’ve made?  Be honest with yourself. 

As motorcyclists, it’s important for us to be aware of our fears and balance them with an honest assessment of our riding skills.   We can’t afford to be overcome by fear while riding through a curve…the result could be deadly.  We must work on improving our riding skills and addressing our fears head-on through thoughtful practice.  If you’re fearful of riding the Interstate, riding at night, riding in the rain, or riding the twisties, work on your basic skills, then go out, and make yourself ride in those situations and conditions.  The only way to conquer our fears is to face them.

 

Friend and fellow moto-blogger, Trobairitz, did just that.  Two-weeks ago, she visited Huckleberry Flats Off-Highway Vehicle Area for the first time on her Yamaha TW-200.  While climbing a steep and rutted hill she was almost thrown off her bike, but despite being injured and afraid she hung on and made it to the top.  Traobaititz faced her fear and will forever be a better rider because of it. I admire riders like that and hope if I were in a similar situation, I’d have the intestinal fortitude to do the same.

Looking at my own life, I know that fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of injury have influenced several of my decisions over the years.  I regret that.  I realize I can’t do anything about those things now, but I can work to do a better job of acknowledging and recognizing when fear is present and make a concerted effort to face it head on.  Life is too short to hold back out of fear.  

Don't let fear be a factor in your riding or your daily life. Live with no regrets...Live Free. Ride Hard.  Be Happy!

_______________________

1. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fear

Saddle-Up and Put a Little Sunshine in Your Life

The world we live in can be a scary place.  Open a newspaper, skim a newsfeed, or watch television for more than a few minutes and you’re bombarded with stories of just how terrible things really are…crime and conflict are rampant, death and decay are everywhere, no one is safe from evil doers.  It seems for every positive headline or story there are a hundred that are negative.  It makes you wonder how anyone ever makes it out of bed.  It’s just sad.  Surely, there’s a way out of this proverbial darkness?

It ain't a pony but it'll make you smile

I believe the answer lies in a story I heard as a teenager about two boys participating in a scientific study.  One boy was put into a room of beautiful, brand new toys and the other into a room full of horse manure.  The boy in the room full of toys immediately burst into tears, while the boy in the room full of manure jumped up and down excitedly and begged for a shovel.  When the researcher asked why he was crying, the boy in the room full of toys replied, “I know as soon as I touch something it’ll break and I’ll get in trouble.”  When the researcher ask the boy in the room full of manure why he wanted a shovel, the boy grinned from ear-to-ear and said, “With this much manure, there’s bound to be a pony in here somewhere and I’m going to find it!”

So, how do we carry on when the world around us is going to hell in a hand-basket?  The second boy had the answer.  We need to pull out our shovels and start shoveling.  We might not be able to control much but we can control our attitude and outlook.  We can choose to look for the pony.  I think most motorcycle riders do this instinctively.  As riders, we don’t dwell on the risks and dangers of riding. If we did, we’d likely be paralyzed by fear.  Instead, we focus on the positives…the overwhelming sense of freedom and sheer exhilaration we experience when tearing up the twisties or eating up the miles on a deserted stretch of highway.   We need to nurture this instinct and apply it to all aspects of our life.

Need an attitude adjustment?  Ride

Fortunately, we have an excellent tool to help us…our motorcycles.  Every time we roll back on the throttle we shovel away the darkness and negativity that surrounds us and we let a little sunshine in. When I’ve had a bad day, feel down, angry, or otherwise need an attitude adjustment I know I can saddle-up and ride.  Within minutes, my whole outlook has improved and all is good. Riding a motorcycle is excellent therapy.  It provides a new and brighter lens from which to view the world and gives us a fresh perspective on life.  It helps us find the pony buried in a room full of manure.

Will you look for the pony?  I sincerely hope that you LiveFree, Ride Hard, Be Happy and shovel, shovel, shovel.

Who Cares What You Ride...As Long As You Ride

Does it really matter what kind of motorcycle a person rides? I’d like to think the answer to that question is a resounding, “Hell, No!” Unfortunately, if you listen to how some motorcyclists talk about one another you might think differently. It amazes me that there’s not more camaraderie within the motorcycle community. 

I was on the /r/motorcycles sub-Reddit the other day when I came across a thread discussing the customary motorcyclist wave. The consensus seemed to be that Harley riders are pompous assholes that never wave to anyone but other Harley riders. As a Harley rider that waves to everyone, I was a little surprised. Almost to a person, the Sport bike riders who had commented related horrific stories about how they had been wronged by a poser on a Harley. All I could think is, “really”? 

It’s sad that any one group of riders would disparage another. But, I suppose their perception is their reality and the fact is I have heard a few Harley riders make unkind remarks about those who ride “Jap” bikes…or basically any bike that isn’t a Harley-Davidson.  As bikers, we should all accept some good-natured ribbing about our rides but we should avoid becoming mean-spirited and ugly about it. 

Regardless of what we ride, we’re still a part of a unique and exciting community…and we shouldn't forget that fact. I don’t care what type of bike you ride as long as you ride. If I see you on the road, I’ll wave. I can only hope you’ll wave back and acknowledge that we're both part of something bigger than ourselves. We’re part of a community that loves life and knows better than most what true freedom is all about. 

Let’s work harder at accepting and respecting one another. Let’s live free and ride hard!

Group or Solo Rider…Which Are You?

When it comes time to choose between a group and solo ride, have you ever felt like Harvey Dent’s alter ego, Two-Face, in the movie Dark Knight? I have. At times I’ve felt torn between the solitude and reflection afforded by riding solo, and the sense of camaraderie and belonging experienced when riding in a group. Both types of riding can be fun and challenging.

Group rides offer the opportunity to share the riding experience with like-minded individuals, to get to know other riders and their riding styles. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of moving down the highway in a properly spaced staggered formation. It’s like watching a flock of birds as they make their way across the sky. It is poetry. I remember my first group ride. I was extremely self-conscious about my position...was I too close or too far from the bikes in front of me. I rode with a death grip on the handlebars fearing that it would be just my luck to rear end someone. I was nervous and excited at the same time. When the ride was over, I felt as though I was part of something bigger than myself. I felt a sense of accomplishment.

For riders who are apprehensive about group riding, don’t be. You still ride your own ride. You don’t have to be overly concerned about spacing, just pay attention and don’t run into the rider in front of you. The more you ride with a group, the more comfortable you will become. One nice thing about group riding is you never have to worry about getting lost, unless of course, you’re leading the ride. And remember, there is safety in numbers. Cagers will see a group of motorcycles much sooner than they will see a single bike. If you’ve never ridden in a group, make a point to do at least one group ride. You’ll be glad you did.

While group rides provide an opportunity to share the riding experience, solo rides give us the opportunity to reflect on the deeper meaning of life and become more in-tune with ourselves. Now, I have to admit my first solo ride didn’t bring about any big revelation. I was more concerned with just getting my bike home from the dealership in one piece. Forty-five miles per hour seemed really fast and going much above that was just plain scary. What a difference time and experience make.

My first long solo ride from San Antonio, TX to Louisville, KY and the return trip via the Natchez Trace Parkway will forever be etched in my memory. I rode over 2,500 miles on that trip in both the cold and in the rain. I learned that even when I’m uncomfortable, I still love to ride. More importantly, I realized that to really live we can’t be afraid to step out of our comfort zone because that’s how we grow. Solo riding is good for the soul.

Which are you, a group or solo rider? The great thing is you don’t have to choose, you can be both. In fact, I believe that to be a well-rounded rider, you should make a point to mix it up. So, when the time comes for you to choose between a group and solo ride, just do like Two-Face. Take a coin from your pocket and toss it into the air. Heads is group; tails is solo…either way you win!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you thing about group and solo riding. Until next time, Live Free and Ride Hard.

Hey, Fat Ass…It’s Hot, Get Off Me!

What would your motorcycle say if she could talk?  Would she have nice things to say?  Would she tell you how great a rider you were or complement you on your stamina for being able to stay in the saddle so long?  We’d all like to think so, wouldn't we?  After my post on hot weather riding, a friend asked about how to keep air-cooled motorcycles from overheating in hot weather.  At that moment, I had a terrible thought.  What if, after riding all day in 100+ degree temperatures my bike was screaming at me, “Hey, fat ass…it’s hot, get off me!”  

The thought of my bike yelling hateful things was almost too much to bear.  If you’re like me, you probably treat your bike better than some family members and you’d do just about anything to keep her happy.  I queried the font of all knowledge, Google Search, to find the answer to my friend’s question and to find out if I’d been “mistreating” my girl by riding her hard in hot weather.

Having combed through countless websites and forums, I concluded as long as your bike is maintained properly, you should be able to ride it in any temperature your body can stand…hot or cold.  Triple digit temperatures may make you feel like a dog but your bike barely notices them.  Most air-cooled bikes have a normal operating temperature range of 160-240 degrees.  This provides a huge temperature differential for convective cooling.  As long as you’re moving at speeds of at least 15-20 mph, your bike should have no problem eating up miles all day long. Even on the hottest day.

Since most of us like to ride hard, travelling at 15-20 mph isn’t generally a problem.  However, sometimes we encounter stop-n-go traffic or participate in a slow-moving parade that keeps our speed down.  These types of situations can potentially lead to overheating.  While many bikes can operate at temperatures at or above 300 degrees, it isn’t a good idea to run at these temperatures for a sustained period of time. Doing so can potentially damage the engine. Several late model Harley-Davidson touring bikes (2008+) have an Engine Idle Temperature Management System (EITMS) that can be turned on to help reduce engine heat by disabling the rear cylinder when the bike is stopped.  Many Harley owners who frequently deal with heavy traffic appreciate this feature.

 For those of us with bikes without EITMS, there are two things we can do to help our engines beat the heat.  First, switch to synthetic oil.  While there’s some debate about just how much synthetics can reduce engine temperature (some say 10-50 degrees), everyone agrees synthetic oils can withstand much higher temperatures before losing their ability to protect the engine’s moving parts.  This is a good thing.  Second, if you frequently find yourself in no-go, go-slow situations, consider installing an oil cooler. Oil coolers will reduce the oil temperature by as much as 40 degrees by circulating the oil outside the engine block to allow for additional convection cooling.  If these things aren't enough to cool your engine to a safe level when riding in traffic, listen to your bike.  Pull over to a safe spot, turn the bike off, and remove your ass from the saddle.  Give her a break for a few minutes, she’ll cool down quickly and then beckon you back to complete your ride. 

Bottom line.  When your cruising down the road, you don’t have to worry about your baby getting too hot…that’s what she was made to do.  However, if you encounter unusual riding conditions and are stuck in slow moving traffic, fill her with some good synthetic lube, give her some bling (oil cooler) and listen carefully to what she tells you.

__________________________

Sources:

All Things (Safety oriented) Mototrcycle Forum - http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6099

City-Data - http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-antonio/666664-air-cooled-motorcycles-sa-heat.html

V-TwinForum - http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/engine-oils-lubrication/183189-critical-oil-temperature-2.html

HDForum - http://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/759045-oil-temp.html

HDForum - http://www.harley-davidsonforums.com/forums/touring-general-discussions/14278-eitms-engine-idle-temperature-management-system.html

HD Forum - http://www.hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/133760-do-oil-coolers-work-4.html

The Ultimate Ducati Portal - http://www.ducati.ms/forums/42-monster/68298-air-temp-vs-engine-temp.html

The Truth About Motorcycle Oils - http://www.post610.org/truth_about_motorcycle_oils.htm

Harley Parts - http://www.munising.com/harley_oil.html

Google+ Cruiser Motorcycle Community - https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/105307778936018386350

Too Hot, Maybe Not…Cover-Up to Cool Down

This past weekend I rode to Shiner, TX with my local HOG Chapter.  The temperature in the afternoon registered 107 along portions of our route and many in our group began to feel the effects of the heat.  We adjusted our ride plan and took frequent breaks to give our bodies a chance to cool down. At one point, we even huddled inside a walk-in beer fridge…giving a whole new meaning to the phrase, “just chillin”.   As we sat in the fridge, I wondered, “Can it ever be too hot to ride?”  I did a little research and here’s what I found…

Individually our tolerance to heat varies but physiologically our bodies all regulate temperature the same way. Our bodies try to maintain a core temperature of 98.6 degrees primarily through radiation, convection, and evaporation.

·    Radiation - We gain or lose heat when we’re in close proximity (but not in contact) to an object that is either warmer or cooler than our skin temperature.

·    Convection - We gain or lose heat when our skin is exposed to the surrounding air.  We lose heat if the air temperature is cooler and gain heat if the air is warmer.

·    Evaporation – As our core temperature starts to rise, we begin to sweat.  The body then cools as the sweat evaporates from our skin.

When the air temperature is below our core temperature all three processes work together to provide cooling.  However, once the air temperature reaches about 95, radiation and convection work against us and can actually make us hotter.  At that point, the only way our body has to regulate temperature is through evaporation.  

For bikers, this can be problematic because riding “exposed” through hot air can cause your sweat to evaporate so quickly that evaporation becomes ineffective for cooling as well.  With the body’s methods to regulate heat effectively shut down, we quickly become overheated and begin to experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps.  Continued heat exposure can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

So does this mean 95 is the magic too hot to ride number?  No, because we can cover-up to cool down.  By wearing more clothing and covering our skin we can make evaporation work as Mother Nature intended.  Covering-up as the temperature rises slows down the evaporation of our sweat allowing it to transfer heat more efficiently.  When the temperature climbs past 95 and into the triple digits, exposed skin is a bad thing.  While it’s counter-intuitive to add layers in the heat of summer, just think about those who live in desert environments across the world…you don’t see them trekking around wearing short-sleeves and tank tops now do you?

Once you’ve covered-up (and even if you don’t) you need to ensure you’re drinking plenty of water to replace the fluid you lose when you sweat.  On a long, hot ride, you need to drink as much as 40 oz of water/sports drink per hour to stay properly hydrated.  By staying hydrated and covering-up, you can ride “comfortably” as the temperatures climb.  Follow these guidelines to safely extend your riding into triple digit temperatures:

·    Cover-Up – Wear a mesh or lightweight textile jacket with the vents fully open (for additional cooling, wet your shirt or wear an evaporative cooling vest). Additionally, wear a helmet that covers your face or try a water soaked bandana to keep your face covered from the hot air.

·    Hydrate – Drink fluids (40oz/hour)… remember, alcoholic beverages don’t count--they will dehydrate you.

·    Take A Break – Find some shade and sit for a while…walk-in beer fridges work great.

Now Live Free and Ride Hard knowing that high temperatures don’t have to stop you from enjoying a great ride. At the end of the day, only you can really answer the question, “Can it be too hot to ride?” 

Sources

Hot Environments – Health Effects - http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/heat_health.html

Temperature Regulation of the Human Body - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/heatreg.html

Riding Motorcycle in Extreme Heat - http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ExtremeHeat.html

At Least There’s a Breeze - http://www.zunis.org/at_least_theres_a_breeze.htm

When You’re Hot, You’re HOT - http://www.soundrider.com/archive/safety-skills/when_youre_hot.htm

Tips for Staying Cool on Blistering Hot Motorcycle Rides - http://www.usridernews.com/tips-for-staying-cool-on-blistering-hot-motorcycle-rides/

Beat the Heat While Motorcycle Touring This Summer - http://www.thelostadventure.com/beat-the-heat-while-motorcycle-touring-this-summer

Never Ride Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly

One of the first patches I bought for my Harley Owners Group vest said, “Never Ride Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly”.  I don’t know what it was about that patch, but it spoke to me.  Mostly because it reminded me of my mother and the thought that she would always be riding with me…she is my guardian angel.

On several occasions while riding the Interstate I’ve said to her, “Mom, fly faster” as I laid on the throttle hard in an effort to eat up the miles.  The adrenaline rush and complete sense of freedom felt when blasting down the highway is almost indescribable.   It’s definitely a thrill…but it can be scary too.  Especially when something you don’t anticipate causes your sphincter to pucker-up tighter than a baby eating sour candy.  Anyone who’s ridden awhile knows what I mean because all riders experience a high “pucker factor” moment, at least once.

While my mom can fly really fast, she shouldn’t have to.  I think that’s the real meaning behind the patch.  Speed can be dangerous.  As bikers, we inherently know this is true but many times we just don’t take the time to think about it.  This video from Australia made me pause for a moment and think about speed and just how important it can be.

We should all pause from time-to-time to think about our riding habits and how they not only affect our safety but the safety of those around us. The great thing about motorcycling is what we ride, where we ride, when we ride, and how we ride is a personal choice.

So let’s make educated choices…and Live Free and Ride Hard!

Twisted Sisters or Curvy Cousins…They’re Both Fun To Ride

I rode 450 miles this past weekend across the Texas Hill Country and into the Panhandle Plains.  I was traveling from San Antonio to San Angelo to spend Father’s Day weekend with my wife, daughter, and two grand-daughters.  My main goal was to make the trip as quickly as possible while soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells along the way.  A secondary goal was to test the photo function in BubblerGPS Pro. I’m happy to report I met both goals and had a wonderful Father’s Day in the process.

I left work a little early on Friday to try and beat some of the traffic out of San Antonio.  I got home, checked the weather forecast, loaded the bike, and checked the forecast again.  It had looked like rain all day and the weather radar showed what seemed to be a large front with rain moving slowly to the northwest.  I was a little concerned about running into a downpour but decided to make a run for it…I packed my rain gear just in case.

The skies started to spit rain just before I made it to Llano. I stopped for gas and wondered if I should put my rain gear on but decided against it.  It was “raining” enough to get my bike dirty but not enough for me to feel wet…moving through the warm Texas air at 70+ mph kept me dry.  I was enjoying the ride, just listening to tunes

and eating-up the miles.  Ranch Road 962 and State HWY 71 proved to be great motorcycle roads. Granted, they’re not the Twisted Sisters but they have some elevation changes and sweeping curves and you can definitely roll back on the throttle.  They were fun. I guess most roads in the Hill Country are related to the Sisters—curvy cousins maybe.

The one drawback to riding the back roads of Texas or maybe any back road is…bugs.  I don’t know how folks ride without a full-face helmet or at least a full-face shield.  Who knows how many bugs I would've eaten if not for my helmet? Just before I reached Texas Highway 87 I felt and heard a large “POP” on the right side of my head.  I thought to myself, “that didn't sound good” and at that exact moment I noticed the most terrible stench I think I’ve ever smelled.  I know why they call them “stink” bugs.  That awful smell (imagine 100 rotting corpses) lingered for several miles until it started to sprinkle again.  I’m not sure I know of a time I was more thankful for a little rain.

Having successfully ridden through the stink, I decided to reward myself with a stop at Dairy Queen in Brady, Texas.  I ordered and quickly ate a large ice cream cone.  DQ soft serve is one of my favorites and on a warm day it’s hard to beat. I rarely say “no” to a DQ cone…just ask my wife.   After finishing my ice cream and ensuring there were no lingering parts of “stinky” on my helmet, I mounted-up and made my final push for San Angelo. 

The last 80 or so miles were uneventful…just nice riding.  US HWY 87 from Brady to San Angelo is relatively flat and straight.  Lots of farm and ranch land.  I looked to the heavens as I rode and was impressed by the way the late afternoon sun was dancing through the clouds.  It was overcast and a bit gloomy but I could see bright rays of light shining through to the ground.  It was almost as if God were saying “you’re almost there…I’ll show you the way”.  It was peaceful.  As I turned off HWY 87 onto Loop 306 I stopped to capture a photo knowing full well it would never do justice to the splendor before me. I arrived at my daughter’s house just a little before 8:00 p.m. knowing I was truly a blessed man.

More to come on my return ride...

Views From The Saddle...Going To San Angelo, TX

You can check-out my route as well as see the photos I captured with BubblerGPS Pro by clicking here.

Biker Down…Two Words You Never Want To Hear

The Biker Down benefit I attended this past weekend at Gruene Harley-Davidson made me think about some of the dangers we face as riders.  Statistically, we’re 22 times more likely to be killed in a crash than someone in a cage[1].  While that number isn’t anything to dwell on it should cause us to pause and consider the choices we make while riding.

We all try to make good choices…but in retrospect some of them may not be the best from an overall safety standpoint.  Take riding in a sleeveless shirt for example.  In the heat of summer I frequently ride sans sleeves as do many I ride with.  It’s comfortable and hey, it looks cool (have you seen my biceps  J).  Problem is, if I ever go “Biker Down” it’ll most likely leave a mark. 

Ouch! I never really gave riding without sleeves much thought before seeing this video…now it’s something I’ll consider before I ride. Will I ride in just a sleeveless shirt again? Probably, but at least I’ll do it with a better understanding of the potential hazards.  For me, the bottom line is I need to  consider that what I wear when I ride could make the difference in becoming a statistic if involved in a “Biker Down” situation.

Now, I’m not proposing we all wear a suit of armor when we ride. I just think we need to make  informed choices. Personal protective gear is most definitely a choice and everyone has to make their own decisions when  it comes to balancing risk and comfort.  I can say without hesitation you'll never see me riding without a helmet in shorts and flip-flops.  

Living free and riding hard means the freedom to make our own choices and to live our lives to the fullest. Let's Live Free and Ride Hard...and pray that the ones we love never hear, "Biker Down".

Do you have an opinion on personal protective gear and the Live Free, Ride Hard philosophy? Let's hear it.

---

[1] Based on NHTSA 2011 Fatalities and Fatality Rates (http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Trends/TrendsGeneral.aspx)

SPOT-like Tracking for the Budget Conscious Rider

Has your significant other ever voiced concern with your motorcycle adventures? Have they told you they're afraid when you're gone because they don't know what twisty, lonely, back road you might wipe-out on...and then no one would ever find you? I'm sure most riders have heard this or something similar before. I know I have. It's only natural that our family and friends are concerned for our safety. Riding a motorcycle is an inherently high-risk activity, right? So what can we do to ease those fears? We make technology our friend.

Many hard core long distance riders use a SPOT gps-satellite tracking device. The SPOT tracker sends a signal to a satellite at regular defined intervals which can then be viewed in near real time on a map via the SPOT Adventure web page or a third party service known as SpotWalla. The problem with SPOT is that the device itself costs around $120 and there is a $50 annual subscription fee if you want to track and share your progress. While this isn't an unreasonable amount, it's more than many riders may feel comfortable with based on the type of riding they do. At this point in time, I'm not willing to spend that amount of money...especially when there's another less costly option.

That's where BubblerGPS and SpotWalla come in. You can use the GPS on your cell phone with the

BubblerGPS app and SpotWalla to track and share your progress when riding. The process is similar to SPOT minus the satellite. BubblerGPS queries your cell phone's GPS and records a way point at a user
specified interval between 5 and 15 minutes (for the paid version of the app). This way point is then

transmitted to SpotWalla. If you're outside your cell coverage area, BubblerGPS stores the way points until you have coverage. So how much does this cost? Well, SpotWalla is free and you can get a free version of BubblerGPS as well. The free version has some limitations but you can purchase BubblerGPS Pro for $9.99.

$9.99 wasn't a budget buster for me so I purchased the Pro version. I intend to use BubblerGPS Pro and SpotWalla to provide family and friends insight into my location when I'm out riding. The "SpotWalla Tracking Map" link in the "Where's Curt Now" section will be enabled whenever I'm out on a planned ride. It will show my progress and location in near real time based on the 5 minute interval I've set on Bubbler GPS Pro. You can see a sample of my last adventure/ride by using the "Where Did He Go" link in the "Curt's Latest Ride" section.

So far, I've been pleased with my BubblerGPS Pro app purchase and I hope it will give my family greater peace of mind when I'm riding. To learn more about SPOT, BubblerGPS, and SpotWalla just click on their hyperlinks. Now, Let's Live Free and Ride Hard!

A Time to Live Free and Ride Hard...Technology for the Masses

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."  While the good book doesn't mention riding specifically, I'm confident our maker would agree that there is a time to live free and ride hard.  The trouble is in today's hustle and bustle world many of us have a difficult time...finding the time to do the things we enjoy.  We get overwhelmed and it seems we're pulled in a hundred different directions, constantly bombarded with information...our computers and smartphones are always on.  Some say we should just turn everything off and return to a time when life was less complicated.

While I agree that this would be nice and it is good to get away from it all, it isn't a realistic or sustainable solution. We need to master technology not become slaves to it. We must harness technology to make our lives better.  We can start doing this is by taking advantage of automated scheduling tools and calendars.  One such technology tool that I've found useful is Google Calendar.  This is an especially powerful tool for groups as a single calendar can be created and shared so that everyone can be instantly aware of the latest and greatest information on group events and activities.

A group's calendar can be viewed on the web via a desktop computer or smartphone or through the Google Calendar app.  However, the real power of the tool  is its ability to push notifications on changes and updates directly to group members via email and text message...and that's how the tool helps us to live free and ride harder.

The Gruene HOG Chapter is working to implement it's Ride Schedule on Google Calendar.  In order to help  guide members through the process of connecting to the shared GHOG Ride Schedule, so that they can access the schedule and receive notification of updates and changes wherever they may be...whether they're  at home or on the road, I created a short "How To" Guide that can be downloaded here: How To Access the GHOG Ride Schedule via Google Calendar.

As technology moves forward so must we.  We can't be intimidated by it or bury our heads in the sand longing for the days of old when dinosaurs roamed the plains.  This is a brave new world and now more than ever...it's time to Live Free and Ride Hard!

Do You Hear What I Hear...Rider Communication

About a year ago I purchased a pair of the Sena SMH5 Bluetooth Headsets from Spoiled Biker.  Several people have asked how I like them...so I thought I'd do a little review and let you know just what I think.

Why did I chose the Sena SMH5? I wanted a relatively inexpensive way to communicate with my wife when she rides with me, I wanted to be able to listen to music, and I wanted to be able to use my phone while riding. After doing quite a bit of research, I decided to go with the Sena SMH5. From a cost stand-point it is one of, if not the least, expensive Bluetooth headset on the market (for under $200 you get  two headsets...you might pay almost that for one of anther brand). It's gotten good reviews from a lot of riders and Sena has a decent reputation for producing good quality products. It may not have all the bells and whistles some of the other headsets have but it's feature set was more than enough for me. Here's what the Sena SMH5 offers (from the Sena website):

• Bluetooth 3.0 
• Bluetooth intercom up to 430 yards in the open
• Multi-pair Bluetooth intercom 
• Voice prompts 
• Bluetooth stereo headset by A2DP 
• Bluetooth music playback control by AVRCP: Play, pause, track forward and track back 
• Easy operation by versatile Jog Dial (Patent pending)
• Sufficient sound level with integrated audio booster 
• Bluetooth handsfree for Bluetooth mobile phones 
• Bluetooth headset or stereo headset for Bluetooth GPS navigations 
• Water resistant for use in inclement weather 
• Crystal clear and natural sound quality 
• Up to 8 hours talk time, 7 days stand-by time 
• Can be used while charging on road trips 
• Individual volume control for each audio source 
• Firmware upgradeable

After having used them for a year and upgrading the firmware twice, I can say Sena pretty much delivers as promised.  I will say, I've never fully figured out how to use the voice prompts or the playback controls. That said, I have been very satisfied with the intercom function, music playback, and the ability to take and make phone calls when needed. The Sena SMH5 provides A LOT of bang for the buck.

You might be asking about the sound and sound quality.  Personally, I think it's pretty decent.  The sound isn't as good as you will get with a set of earbuds plugged into your iPod but it's not bad.  You won't have any trouble hearing the music or a conversation...even at freeway speeds.  I've had phone conversations with my dad doing 70 MPH and he didn't even know I was on the bike.  I'm sure having a full face helmet doesn't hurt.

I made a few recordings by placing a microphone inside the helmet to give you an idea of the sound.  The recordings are representative of what you can expect but I think the sound is slightly better than what you'll hear in the demos...maybe because your ears are closer to the speakers (and the helmet isn't empty when you're wearing it)  ;-)  

The first two demos are of music and the third is from a telephone...I called my cell phone from the house and recorded it.

Installation on the helmet wasn't too difficult. You'll have a couple different mounting options. I ended up modifying the adhesive mount to fit my Harley-Davidson modular bluetooth ready helmet. I would definitely recommend the Sena SMH5 as you'll be hard pressed to find a better value. You can read more about the Sena SMH5 at www.senabluetooth.com.

Do you hear that? The road is calling...Live Free and Ride Hard!

1000 Miles...18 Hours and 5 Mintues

On May 18th at 12:05 a.m. I completed my first Saddlesore 1000 riding in Hoagy's Heroes Lone Star Six Shooter.  Robert "Hoagy" Carmichael told me before I started that I'd either love it or hate it...and having completed it, I can say overall "I loved it!"

At the beginning of the ride I was a little intimidated because the other rider's bikes where better set-up for long distance riding.  There was an assortment of sport-touring bikes like the Yamaha FJR and larger Harley Ultras.  My Sportster seemed small and uncomfortable in comparison. I told myself, it's not the size of the bike that counts, it's the heart of the rider riding it...and I have a big heart. :-) In actuality, the Sportster isn't all that small with a 1200 cc engine and I have an aftermarket Corbin Dual Tour seat for added comfort.  I knew I could ride ride with the "big boys".

I can't say that I loved every minute of the ride because that would be a lie.  At around the 600 mile point in far West Texas with the temps running over 105 degrees, I really questioned why I had undertaken such an endeavor.  I can tell you, its hot wearing a full face (black) helmet, textile jacket, and leather chaps...even at 80 mph.  Given the temperature it was important to stay hydrated.   Fortunately, I packed quite a few bottles of Gatorade and had a water bladder in my tank bag that I could drink from while riding.  At one stop it was so hot, I soaked my shirt with water to get the Texas swamp cooler effect.  It's amazing how well evaporative cooling works. Try it sometime.

For the most part the ride was uneventful. Just mile after mile of pavement...but the scenery was fantastic.  Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos because I was so focused on making good time and I wasn't overly comfortable with trying to operate my camera with one hand.  I didn't even take the camera out until Big Spring.  I missed some get shots near Fort Stockton...there were places where I could just picture Indians sitting on their horses lined-up along the ridges.  I was overcome with  a sense of adventure, history, and freedom as I rode across Texas.

It would be easy to feel alone in the vast openness of West Texas, but I wasn't alone.  I met a 64 year old Marine Veteran named Herb the night before the ride and we rode together for over 800 miles.  Herb retired from the Marine Corps in 1996 after 30 years of service.  He saw combat in Vietnam,  Mogadishu (just before the Black Hawk down time frame), and Dessert Storm. I'm sure he had some amazing stories.  I  was sad when he decided to end his Iron Butt ride 120 miles from the finish due to some bladder/kidney issues but I know he must have been hurting pretty bad.  Herb flashed his lights and waved goodbye as he headed home to Aledo, Texas (about 15 minutes from Fort Worth).  I rode the last 120 miles alone.

I got my official ending gas receipt at 12:05 a.m and checked-in.  I was greeted by Hoagy and several other riders who had participated in longer rides (2000 miles in 36 hours).  I felt good and surprisingly wasn't too tired. Overall, it was a great experience and I'm confident one day, I'll do another Iron Butt Long Distance ride.  After reflecting for a day, I've come to the conclusion that Long Distance riding is a lot like the rest of life.  You may get tired, down, and feel like you can't go any further but then you dig deep, look for the silver lining and press ahead...one mile at at time until you are finished.  Live Free and Ride Hard!!

Clear skies and Open Road

West Texas

Herb Riding Point

Mile Eater

Herb and his FJR

Rock-n-Roll

Movin On

Does my Saddle look Sore to You?

The Litle Engine That Could

With Hoagy at the Finish